The Tynwald Ceremony is the most visible display of the Isle of Man's independence. Each year thousands of people gather at St John's in the centre of the Island to witness this ancient ceremony which takes place on old midsummer's day.

The laws that have been passed during the previous year by the Island's parliament are proclaimed from the four-tiered hill by the Deemsters dressed in their traditional red robes and wigs and in time honoured way, members of the public are able to present petitions for redress of grievance to the parliament.

It's a colourful ceremony, with military bands, contingents from many local organisations and dancing and music and, after it's all over, there's the traditional Tynwald Day Fair.

This video captures all the pomp and ceremony of this uniquely Manx occasion, the roots of which go back to Viking times over 1000 years ago, and a special feature is the visit of HRH the Prince of Wales, who presided over the Tynwald in the year 2000.